An award-winning fish and chip chain won approval to open in Derbyshire and create 15 jobs last night.

Erewash councillors voted unanimously for a Cods' Scallops restaurant to open in a former frozen food shop in Tamworth Road, Long Eaton.

Entrepreneur John Molnar already has two outlets around Nottingham, both decorated with jokey postcards and furniture to capture the image of the seaside. This will be its first store outside Nottinghamshire.

Councillor John Frudd told the planning committee: "People will warm to it. There are a number of fish and chip shops in Long Eaton but this is a super chippie for the 21st century."

He also welcomed the plan to include a wet fish counter, saying these are usually only confined to supermarkets.

Owner John Molnar at the opening of Cod's Scallops fish and chip shop in Carrington (Image: Nottingham Post)

Councillor Howard Griffiths believed it would increase the number of people using that part of the town - but said it was important not to allow "garish" signs to be fixed to the building to advertise it.

"Too many town centres look the same. I would like to see something subtle and appropriate for the place," he added. Councillor Daniel Walton said it would be "a very posh fish and chip restaurant" and that it would greatly improve a derelict building.

The restaurant plan was also backed by Councillor Val Custance but she questioned why it was closing at 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and even earlier during the week. Steve Birkinshaw, head of planning and regeneration, said the times had been requested by the applicant.

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But the shop would be able to stay open until 11pm without having to seek fresh approval from the council. The restaurant will offer takeaways as well as sit-down meals. Mr Molnar said the project would create 15 full and part-time jobs with around 48,000 people living nearby.

He said: "I am a local businessman and employ local people, and I want to bring that to Long Eaton. I want to see the centre vibrant again."

The company was established six years ago with a store in Bramcote Lane. In 2014, it was the national winner of the Best Newcomer Fish and Chip in 2014.

Erewash Borough Council contacted people living and working from properties around the Tamworth Road site and also posted notices giving details of Mr Molnar's plans. There were no objections.